Integration of Foreigners in Zagreb: New Steps Toward an Inclusive Community
Over the years, changes in migration patterns have led to greater social diversity in Croatia and in Zagreb. The City of Zagreb recognizes the importance of targeted integration measures that help new residents become more actively involved in society. In recent years, we have adopted two key action plans for the integration of applicants for international protection, persons granted international or temporary protection, as well as foreign workers.
By adopting the City of Zagreb Programme for the Implementation of the Integrating Cities Charter for the period 2026–2030 on 17 December 2025, we are ensuring continuity in the implementation of integration measures and activities. The Programme is based on the principles of inclusion, equality, and intercultural dialogue, with the aim of building an open, inclusive, and cohesive community.
One of the key integration measures was the development of a model and the establishment of a central information point for refugees and migrants – the Welcome Centre (One Stop Shop). The opening of this Centre represented a major step forward in the implementation of the City’s integration activities.
The Welcome Centre is a unique contact point where foreign nationals receive information about their rights and obligations according to their legal status – all in one place and in a language they understand. Users can learn about all City of Zagreb services in the areas of social and health care, education, scholarships, Croatian language learning, free legal aid, intercultural programmes, and other activities. Informational materials in multiple languages are also available to facilitate orientation.
In cooperation with partners, the Centre provides a broader range of information on exercising rights and accessing services.
Information is a key first step toward full integration. The Welcome Centre is open to everyone: foreign nationals, citizens, students, and pupils. It provides education and information on activities, empowering the community and supporting equal participation for all.
International Migrants Day is observed on 18 December and was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 with the aim of highlighting the contribution of migrants to the development of societies and economies, as well as promoting the protection of human rights and ensuring dignified living conditions for all migrants.
On this occasion, the City of Zagreb, in cooperation with partner organizations, is organizing a series of events open to the public.
12:00 – 18:00
City of Zagreb Welcome Centre, Petrinjska Street 31
Throughout the day, citizens and users will be able to visit the City of Zagreb Welcome Centre, learn about its work and services, and in an informal and relaxed atmosphere talk with Centre staff and receive answers to questions related to integration, rights, and available forms of support for foreign nationals in Zagreb.
More information about the Centre is available at:
👉 https://zagreb.hr/centar-dobrodoslice/200866
All-day programme marking International Migrants Day
10:00 – 23:00
Ribnjak Culture Centre
A rich all-day programme for all generations will take place at the Ribnjak Culture Centre, aiming to foster intercultural dialogue, exchange experiences, and encourage shared creativity.
10:00 – 14:00
Interactive meetings of Alternative Education for Schools
15:00 – 19:00
World cuisine workshops for adults
The workshops are free of charge, with mandatory online ticket reservation due to limited capacity.
15:00 – 17:00 Chinese cuisine
16:00 – 18:00 Indian cuisine
18:30 – 20:00 Nigerian cuisine
18:00 – 20:00
Art workshop for migrants: “We Borrowed the Land from the Forest”
(with prior registration)
19:00 – 21:00
Henna painting (by Farzaneh)
Screen printing on bags and T-shirts
Samane beauty salon
(programme open to the public)
20:00 – 22:00
Concert “Around the Corner, the Ear of the World”
Performers: Mani, Lil Romy, Lovetino Santana & Michael Brain
(Nepal, Cameroon, Nigeria)
Free entry
22:00 – 23:00
DJ Freeman (Nigeria)
Free entry
The event is organized by the Ribnjak Culture Centre, the City of Zagreb, and the Centre for Peace Studies.
More information about the programme is available at:
👉 https://cmr.hr/medunarodni-dan-migranata-2025/
